Patient-generated data in comparative effective research will enhance quality of care

Patient-generated data and comparative effectiveness research hold the key to greatly improving both individual and population health, according to a study published in Health Affairs.

Researchers from Duke University analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of patient-generated data, or patient-reported outcomes, for use in research to make evidence-based decisions about the most appropriate therapies.

With access to EHR data, physician practices are just beginning to experiment with methods of integrating data regarding the patient experience into care delivery and repurposing data for institutional research-related needs. The study found that for patient-generated data to be immediate and actionable, patients must experience the importance of the data for their own care as well as for research purposes.

“Patient-driven data collected through research funded by Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, the NIH Collaboratory and projects such as CancerLinQ demonstrate the value of engaging with patients to generate the information needed to provide care that is truly patient centered and individualized and that leads to improved outcomes for society as a whole,” wrote the authors.

Looking to the future, the researchers recommended that physicians learn how to better familiarize patients with their data collection efforts.

Access the study here.